What’s the hold-up on recreational pot sales in Massachusetts?

Recreational pot was legal to sell in Massachusetts as of July 1, but don’t expect to walk into a store and buy it anytime soon.

“We’re constantly, almost every ten minutes we get an email or a text or a message from local community members just interested in when we’ll be open for [recreation],” said CEO Mark Zatyrka of INSA Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Easthampton and Springfield.

The Cannabis Control Commission has yet to approve an independent testing lab. State law requires retail pot to be tested for contaminants before it can legally be sold.

Three laboratories have already registered with state health officials to test medical marijuana, but now, they must apply for a separate license with the CCC, in order to test retail pot products.

INSA offers 16 different strains of pot in its medical marijuana dispensaries, along with edibles and pre-rolls, which CEO Mark Zatyrka predicts will be popular with recreational users.

The medical marijuana dispensary applied for its recreational license for their Easthampton location, almost two months ago. The delay hasn’t hit Springfield, because it has a six-month moratorium.

Once recreational sales begin, their customer base is expected to triple.

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